Mountainous Big Bear Lake is a true escape from the hustle of big-city life. A draw for skiers and snowboarders, this charming Southern California city offers plenty to do year-round. Situated in the San Bernardino Mountains and a short drive from Los Angeles, the idyllic community is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s home to some of the best of the best — a spot where you can just as easily soar down the slopes on a pair of skis as you can experience an epic mountain biking adventure.
If you’re looking for some home-away-from-home comfort, you’ll find that in Big Bear Lake, too. This cozy resort getaway has it all, from eclectic shopping to some of the best dining options in all of California. While it’s not usually known as a foodie paradise, it just so happens that the community boasts some of the best breakfast locations in the state. There are so many indulgences that you may be tempted to stay an extra day or two at your dreamy vacation rental cabin!
If you’re looking for some home-away-from-home comfort, you’ll find that in Big Bear Lake, The 9 Best Breakfast Spots in Big Bear Lake too. This cozy resort getaway has it all, from eclectic shopping to some of the best tter where you might be, or have a hankering for a hearty plate of French toast, omelets, hash browns, and biscuits and gravy, you’ll find it all in town. You may even want to enjoy some BBQ or pick up an order to go once you discover all that awaits you on Big Bear Boulevard.
Digging into some comfort food is a fantastic way to kick off the day in one of the prettiest escapes in the entire country. Here’s where to go to satiate those pangs of hunger and find the best breakfast in Big Bear Lake.
Grizzly Manor Cafe: A Tried-and-True Favorite
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41268 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA
As reliable favorites go, few compare with the esteemed Grizzly Manor Cafe. Voted the number one breakfast in the country and listed in the top 10 of 101 restaurants in America on the Travel Channel’s Chowdown Countdown, the eatery is known for its generous portions.
The walls in this instantly welcoming spot capture a sense of homey appeal with handwritten cards singing the restaurant’s praises, quirky stickers, and plenty of jokes to keep you snorting through every bite of your (enormous) buttermilk pancakes.
That it’s something of a celebrity hotspot shouldn’t come as a surprise either. Since its doors opened in 1975, it’s been on virtually every Big Bear traveler’s must-visit list. What really sets it apart, though, are those serving sizes. It may well be the best spot in town to fuel up for a day on the slopes.
Going for a stroll in Big Bear Village or heading off for a day of recreational activities at Big Bear Mountain Resort ? Head here first, but come early to beat the crowds. Its national recognition easily makes the Grizzly Manor Cafe one of the most well-regarded restaurants in town.
Mountain Munchies: Just the Classics, Please
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42171 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA
For comfort food that really hits the spot, head to Mountain Munchies. Serving fresh fare that’s as good as homemade since 1980, it’s a casual, no-frills space — but don’t let that fool you.
Wonderfully hearty breakfasts await, including delightful omelets filled to the brim and French toast made with plump blueberries and sweet, juicy strawberries (plus cream, of course). Don’t miss the waffles, breakfast burritos, and make-your-own options, too.
Variety is king at Mountain Munchies, which explains much of its popularity. While it’s one of the best breakfast spots in Big Bear Lake, it’s also worth a stop for brunch. After you work off your morning meal, stop by for a hearty lunch salad or grab a steak or pot roast at dinner. You wouldn’t be the first to indulge in all three meals here in a single day.
Teddy Bear Restaurant: Cozy Homestyle Goodness
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583 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA
Let’s be honest: You pretty much expect comfort and coziness when you escape to the mountains. There’s all of that and so much more at the wonderful Teddy Bear Restaurant. Established in 1944, the eatery is known far and wide for its homestyle meals. Pies made from scratch are a big draw — but it’s the all-day breakfast menu that often draws people in for that first memorable bite.
What will it be? Omelets are always a smart choice, especially here where offerings range from classic ham and cheddar cheese to the flavorful fresh basil with feta cheese and tomatoes. You can also go south of the border and enjoy a Mexican morning meal for a little kick. Got a sweet tooth? Treat yourself to waffles or pancakes topped with your choice of maple or boysenberry syrup. For a taste you can’t get anywhere else, try the Teddy Bears Benedict. It’s a traditional favorite with a “beary” good spin on a classic!
Amangela’s Sandwich & Bagel House: A Village Mainstay
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40729 Village Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA
When you’re in the village, keep your wits about you — because you might otherwise blink and miss Amangela’s Sandwich and Bagel House. Though it might be something of a hole in the wall, there’s nothing obscure about their incredible breakfasts.
Homemade breads, smoothies made with the freshest fruits, Boar’s Head meats, gluten-free options, and some of the best cappuccinos in town lend this spot its reputation.
It's the breakfast bagel that truly shines, though. Served on the bagel of your choosing, the concoction includes eggs blended with bell peppers and red onions, plus cheese and your choice of veggie sausage, bacon, or ham. People have been known to stop by every morning of their visit for one of these delectable creations, but don’t miss their other options, either. Angela’s Special is another town favorite loaded with turkey, avocado, lemon pepper, and chive cream cheese.
Moonridge Coffee Company: The First Sip of the Day
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42646 Moonridge Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA
Situated just off of bustling Big Bear Blvd., Moonridge Coffee Company is just where to go to grab that first sip of the day. Luckily, this cafe is just a quick walk from our cabin rentals.
These folks do lots of things right, but one area where they truly shine is their food-and-beverage pairings. Cappuccino and avocado toast? A white mocha with the Little Moonridge (scrambled eggs, bacon, and your choice of sourdough or wheat)? Maybe you prefer your brews on ice or loaded with whipped cream. They have you covered at this compact coffee house where everything is prepared fresh to order.
If you’re driving to Moonridge Coffee Company, bear in mind that parking is in the back — and they’re open only until 2pm each day. You’ve got plenty of time to set the tone for the day at this cute coffee shop. They do get busy — and because it’s a small business, you may need to wait. Once you’ve tried their java, though, you’ll see that it’s well worth the extra time spent.
The Copper Q: A Side of Shopping
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645 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA
Once you step inside The Copper Q, you may never want to leave. There’s a lot to experience at this quaint coffee shop that also happens to be a cozy gift shop packed with home décor, stemware, glassware, and plenty of goodies for your pantry. Sure, you might stop for a brew, but you’ll likely be tempted by the chutneys, jams, and sauces galore that glisten on the shelves.
Stay fueled for a day of shopping with something hearty from their kitchen. The breakfast restaurant offers an abundance of morning favorites, from bagels loaded with all the fixings to bakery treats galore, including croissants, banana nut loaves, and cinnamon twists. Choose from an array of syrups to give your coffee that much-needed dose of delicious first thing in the morning.
Country Kitchen Restaurants: Creature Comforts of Home
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39904 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA
Home away from home takes on new meaning at Country Kitchen Restaurants. For appetites big and small, there’s an option to whet your appetite. Dig into one of the breakfast restaurant’s best-selling skillets, prepared with an abundance of generous toppings. Make your own omelet if you’re feeling creative, or opt for the self-proclaimed Best Pancakes in Town to satiate that sweet tooth.
Country Kitchen Restaurants also offers lighter fare if you want to keep it light before you set off for the slopes. A smaller sampler is a practical choice if you want to sample a little bit of everything — you definitely don’t want to miss their hash browns — and there are also lighter pancake stacks topped with anything from strawberries to apples.
Grind and Grill Cafe: The Ultimate Ski Break
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42011 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA
Whether you’re staying in a rental or at the resort, don’t miss the Grind and Grill Cafe on Big Bear Blvd. If you make a point of stopping by in the morning, you’ll face an enormous menu of breakfast favorites — enough to please even the pickiest palate.
There are breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burritos and hearty plates and omelets galore, along with customary on-the-side favorites like hash browns, home fries, and biscuits.
Prefer to enjoy the view as you dine? Take advantage of the outdoor seating here, but keep in mind it can be pretty brisk outside at the best of times. Grab a blanket, dig into dishes that will undoubtedly rival the biggest breakfasts you’ve ever consumed, and prepare to be wowed. The ambiance may be simple, but you won’t soon forget the food.
Lumberjack Cafe: No-Frills Is Just Fine
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All the goodness, none of the fuss. Sometimes it’s the simple things that stand out the most, which is certainly the case at Lumberjack Cafe. Take a seat in the humble, wood-paneled dining room and dig into the menu packed with beloved classics. Whether you’re craving corned beef hash, chicken fried steak, country ham, or a hamburger patty with your eggs, you can find it right here.
If you’re with the kids, treat them to Snow Peak. The presentation of the breakfast restaurant’s beloved pancake or waffle topped with a mound of whipped cream and finished with bananas or strawberries is irresistible. There are also standards like cold cereal, French toast, biscuits, and home fries for the taking.
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While you may visit for winter activities at the end of the year or even fireworks during the summertime, there’s plenty to be said for the eateries at Big Bear Lake, too. A place as unique as this four-season wonder is hard to find — and so are the delicious discoveries you’ll encounter during your morning meals here.
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